Thorium: uses

The following uses for thorium are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I'd be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses (please use the feedback mechanism to add uses).

preparation of the "Welsbach mantle", used for portable gas lights. These mantles consist of thorium oxide (ThO2) with about 1% cerium oxide and other ingredients. They glow with a dazzling light when heated in a gas flame

alloying element for magnesium, imparting high strength and creep resistance at high temperatures

used to coat tungsten wire used in electronic equipment because it has a low work-function and high electron emission

oxide is used to control the grain size of tungsten used for electric lamps

oxide is used for high-temperature laboratory crucibles

glasses containing thorium oxide have a high refractive index and low dispersion. They are therefore used for high quality camera lenses and scientific instruments

oxide is a catalyst for the conversion of ammonia to nitric acid, petroleum cracking, and sulphuric acid production

source of nuclear energy

WebElements Shop

You can buy periodic table posters, mugs, T-shirts, fridge magnets, games, molecular models, and more at the WebElements shop